Attempts to elucidate the mechanism underpinning the genetic association between IFNL3, previously called IL28B, and clearance of hepatitis C virus have, by and large, been unsuccessful. A study in this issue suggests that a new gene, IFNL4, may be responsible.
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D.B. and J.G. have filed patent applications in Australia and the United States for use of the IL28B gene region to predict drug response.
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Booth, D., George, J. Loss of function of the new interferon IFN-λ4 may confer protection from hepatitis C. Nat Genet 45, 119–120 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/ng.2537
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ng.2537
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